Safari Overview
Journey into Tanzania's untamed southern wilderness on the Selous Wilderness Adventure — one of Africa's largest game reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the northern circuit, the Selous (now partially renamed Nyerere National Park) offers a raw, uncrowded safari experience where you can enjoy boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and classic game drives through vast miombo woodland teeming with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, and lions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Dar es Salaam
Fly or drive to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city on the Indian Ocean coast. Transfer to your guesthouse and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner with a welcome briefing from your Jolita guide.
- Transfer to Dar es Salaam hotel
- Welcome briefing and safari overview
- Dinner by the Indian Ocean
Mikumi
Depart Dar es Salaam after breakfast and drive approximately 4 hours west to Mikumi National Park. The park sits in a wide valley and is famous for its open flood plains where lion, giraffe, elephant and buffalo roam freely.
- 4-hour scenic drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi
- Afternoon game drive in the Mkata flood plains
- Spot lion, giraffe, hippo, elephant and zebra
Mikumi
A full day game drive exploring Mikumi's diverse wildlife. The park is often called 'Little Serengeti' due to its open plains and high wildlife density. Look for cheetah, wild dog, and the elusive greater kudu in the woodland areas.
- Full day game drive across Mikumi's varied terrain
- Spot rare African wild dogs if lucky
- Sundowner drinks on the plains at sunset
- Bush dinner under the stars
Rufiji River
Drive south into the legendary Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) — Africa's largest protected wildlife area. Arrive in time for an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River. Hippos wallow in pods, enormous crocodiles bask on sandbanks, and elephants drink at the river's edge.
- Drive from Mikumi to Selous Game Reserve
- Afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River
- Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds galore
- Sundowner cruise on the river
Nyerere (Selous)
Experience Africa as our ancestors did — on foot. Accompanied by an armed scout and expert guide, embark on a guided walking safari through the wilderness of the Selous. This intimate, thrilling experience brings you closer to nature than any vehicle can.
- Morning guided walking safari with armed scout
- Track wildlife on foot and learn from expert guides
- Afternoon 4x4 game drive in open-top vehicle
- Spot rare African wild dog packs
Nyerere (Selous)
Spend a full day exploring the vast interior of the Selous, venturing into remote areas rarely visited by other vehicles. The Selous is home to the largest elephant population in East Africa. Enjoy a fly-camp dinner on the banks of the Rufiji under a canopy of stars.
- Full day game drive in remote areas of the reserve
- Search for African wild dog, lion prides, and elephant herds
- Fly-camp dinner on the river banks
- Star-gazing in total wilderness darkness
Nyerere (Selous)
A final short game drive before driving back toward Dar es Salaam. En route, enjoy lunch at a scenic viewpoint and arrive in Dar es Salaam for your onward journey.
- Early morning final game drive
- Scenic drive back to Dar es Salaam
- Optional Dar es Salaam city tour
- Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport
Farewell Tanzania
Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your onward flight home, carrying extraordinary memories of Tanzania's untamed southern wilderness.
- Hotel check-out
- Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
- Farewell from Jolita Safari team